RV Transport questions...

Rv hauling is NOT hotshot trucking...

Please keep us updated on how your doing in the business

 

With uship you have to go through a lot of crap to find the bread.

 

On the subject of running without a load back to the RV yard for the next RV to pull to a destination...

It is too bad there is not any technology on these three-quarter and 1-ton pickups such as an ECO MODE. My 2006 Honda minivan has an automatic function where it shuts down two of the six engine cylinders when the situation warrants it. So seamless, I don't know when its happening unless a light on the dashboard indicates it. As I understand it, some similar vehicles can alternately shut down up to 4 of the 6.

Back in the late eighties, the company I worked for had a Ford 3/4 ton that pulled a gooseneck primarily. It had a non-turboed diesel with a 4 speed manual transmission. They added on an aftermarket 2-speed gearbox that made it operate like you had a two-speed rear end. It was flakey and had operating problems. But without the trailer and a minimal or no load in the bed, the engine would sip fuel at the bottom of the RPM range while stretching its legs running down the interstate.

It is a given that HD pickups are designed from the factory to pulling and hauling heavy loads, not for "commuting". So other than driving at an economical speed, what other strategies do you implement with your HD pickup to consume le$$ fuel (and wear n' tear) when running back to the yard without an RV attached?

 

I've seen a few guys that pull one pickup. One of them said pulling a truck is a bit stressful in heavy traffic, as the brakes don't extend to the towed vehicle. I have a home-made tonneau that reduces wind drag, and I've already thought about adding an overdrive (or second overdrive if you want to be technical), as it would save me money in the long run. I've seen as low as 24 mpg (5.9 Cummins) with a good tailwind. Had I been able to lower the RPM by a mesure of 200 (say 1500 instead of 1700), I certainly would have gotten even better mileage. On average I do 13.5 mpg loaded and 21 mpg empty, and I watch my mileage both empty and loaded, because both contribute to the bottom line. Of course using iWindsurf to watch wind direction and alter the course accordingly, like sailboats, is a fun thing to do LOL

 

i've seen those two speed gear boxes on some a couple of old dodges at dually depot about ten or so years ago. one guy said it really helped his mileage but was a pain the the butt. i don't remember why.

of course i've seen them on several lime trucks and garbage wagons

 

And at times what you have to go through still ends up on your bread. On occasion it is still a bit helpful.

 

Brand new member here, first post.

I just spent quite a while reading this thread in its entirety, and I must thank you all for sharing such wisdom. I first thought about going into RV hauling a couple months ago when I was showing my truck to a friend. His wife works at an RV dealership and deals with guys hauling the units in and out from time to time. Apparently my buddy was at the lot one day and got into a conversation with one of the drivers that hauls the units. Please keep in mind this is all second hand information from my buddy, but apparently the guy was driving a brand new $60k truck that he had "paid right off" and was making money hand over fist. I'm smart enough to take a story with a grain of salt and it's not the allure of untold riches that got my wheels going. My truck has inadvertently ended up being perfectly set up for what it is you all do, haul stuff. It's a 99 F-350, 4 door, 8 foot bed, diesel (7.3), 2wd, dually, six speed manual. It's in really great shape for its age and has quite a few mods just to haul my stuff. I installed a flat bed with tool boxes almost a year ago. It has on board air, up to 165 PSI, which is also plumbed into the added on rear air bags and can be filled or dumped on the fly. Highway horns also obviously and a CB. Gauges added on are EGT, mechanical oil PSI, boost, voltage, air pressure, and suspension air pressure. It has electrical provisions and mounts for a slide in camper and a class 5 hitch rated for 12k. Obviously I have a nice trailer brake setup and I have distribution bars. I also have a 44 inch hitch extension to reach out from under my Amerigo slide in and haul my 16ft enclosed trailer. I am quite mechanically inclined and have held a class A CDL for about 15 years, I'm 35 now.

I was hot on the idea of doing this a couple of months ago while I was out of work and unsure on what to do next, but then I got a job and hauling campers went to the back burner. Well as of late last week I am jobless again and I'm having trouble finding a career. There are no shortage of jobs offered to me, but they usually involve sketchy trucks or hot headed owners that live to bark at you. As a single young man with no children, I need a career and ideally something that will provide for a family someday. I do have my income supplemented somewhat due to a VA compensation. My truck is long since paid for and well taken care of however I do have a mortgage, credit card bill, and the typical bills you all deal with in everyday life.

Observation- I live about 40 minutes south of Boston, so the cost of living where I do is more than likely a lot higher than many of you posting here. Is this going to make this kind of job less feasible living where I do? My mortgage is $1500 a month for a fairly modest home and my VA compensation pays most of that, but not all of it.

Question- Is there a fifth wheel setup that is removable or something that would allow me to still haul slide ins when not towing a fifth wheel? I would like to be able to haul anything without question.

Is there anyone/place I can go in my area to talk to someone in person? It seems as though most of what you all are talking about centers around Indiana. Indiana would be the hub for this business I'm gathering?

I'm very serious about attempting this as I've worked enough "jobs" in my life. I need something I can do for a long time and I'm hoping this profession may have something to offer. Thank you all.

 

My advice would be to keep looking for another career. If you read through the many posts on here about hauling rv's you would see there's not much profit in the end. I know someone else will chime in and tell you how they make lots of money hauling rv's and I guess its all a matter of perspective what making a "good living" really is.

 

Alright there's one side of the coin.

Do companies restrict the age of your truck? I am not upgrading my truck right now, mine is more than up to the task.

 

Lets skip a few of your questions for now and focus on other aspects of your situation. Your post show a higher level of intelligence that several people who post on this, and other sites. My first recommendation would be to continue your education and get some kind of degree.As far as your RV Transport questions - several of your questions can be answered in this and other forms. The internet is full of reasons not to go into this line of work. I only work seasonally in the RV delivery game so any comments I have would be based on the temporary relationship for 4-5 months out of the year when the majority of new RV’s are delivered. I am NOW personally unaware of anyone who is doing it full time. The last friend I had who was doing delivery year round now has a full time job in Indiana. Pleas review my past post on the subject by clicking on my name on the left.


Best of luck in your decisions.